Method and system for utilizing multiplexing to increase throughput in a network of distributed transceivers with array processing

ABSTRACT

A communication device that comprises a plurality of distributed transceivers, a central processor and a network management engine, may be configured for a multiplexing mode of operation. Configuring of the multiplexing mode of operation may include configuring one or more communication modules for multiplexing a plurality of data streams. Each of the communication modules may comprise one or more antennas and/or antenna array elements and one or more of said plurality of distributed transceivers associated with said one or more antennas and/or antenna array elements. The communication modules may be configured to be spatially distinct and/or to use different frequency channels. The data streams may be communicated to a single target device or to a plurality of target devices.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application makes reference to, claims priority to andclaims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/548,201filed on Oct. 17, 2011.

The above stated application is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application makes reference to:

-   U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 25066US02)    filed on May 16, 2012;-   U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 25067US02)    filed on May 16, 2012;-   U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 25068US02)    filed on May 16, 2012;-   U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 25069US02)    filed on May 16, 2012;-   U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 25071 US02)    filed on May 16, 2012; and-   U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 25072US02)    filed on May 16, 2012.

Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable].

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable].

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to communications. Morespecifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a methodand a system for utilizing multiplexing to increase throughput in anetwork of distributed transceivers with array processing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millimeter Wave (mmWave) devices are being utilized for high throughputwireless communications at very high carrier frequencies. There areseveral standards bodies such as 60 GHz wireless standard, WirelessHD,WiGig, and WiFi IEEE 802.1 lad that utilize high frequencies such as the60 GHz frequency spectrum for high throughput wireless communications.In the US, the 60 GHz spectrum band may be used for unlicensed shortrange data links such as, for example, data links within a range of 1.7km, with data throughputs up to 6 Gbits/s. These higher frequencies mayprovide smaller wavelengths and enable the use of small high gainantennas. However, these higher frequencies may experience highpropagation loss.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method is provided for utilizing multiplexing toincrease throughput in a network of distributed transceivers with arrayprocessing, substantially as shown in and/or described in connectionwith at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in theclaims.

These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the presentinvention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, willbe more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication systemthat supports use and central management of distributed transceivers, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary usage scenario wheredistributed transceivers are centrally managed to create ahigh-performance link between a transmitting device and one receivingdevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary transceiver module, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary application device with acollection of distributed transceivers, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating exemplary use of multiplexing duringcommunication of multiple data streams by an application device with acollection of distributed transceivers that are implemented in a startopology, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating exemplary use of multiplexing duringcommunication of multiple data streams by an application device with acollection of distributed transceivers that are implemented in a ringtopology, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating exemplary use of multiplexing duringcommunication of multiple data streams to a single destination device,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for dynamicconfiguration of multiplexing mode of operation when communicating witha single target device, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7B is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for dynamicconfiguration of multiplexing mode of operation when communicating withmultiple target devices, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a method and systemfor utilizing multiplexing to increase throughput in a network ofdistributed transceivers with array processing. In various embodimentsof the invention, a communication device that comprises a plurality ofdistributed transceivers, a central processor and a network managementengine may be configured for a multiplexing mode of operation. In thisregard, configuring the communication device for a multiplexing mode ofoperation may comprise configuring one or more communication modules (orblocks), from one or more of the plurality of distributed transceiversand/or antennas (or antenna arrays) associated with the distributedtransceivers, based on the multiplexing mode, and multiplexingcommunication of a plurality of data streams via the one or morecommunication modules. Each of the communication modules may comprise,for example, one or more antennas or antenna array elements, and one ormore of the plurality of distributed transceivers associated with theone or more antennas or antenna array elements—e.g., distributedtransceivers controlling the antennas operations and providing RFrelated processing of signals received or transmitted via the antenna(s)or antenna array element(s). At least some of the data streams may becommunicated to a single destination device. In some instances, at leastsome of the one or more communication modules may be configured to havedistinct spatial communication profiles. In this regard, creating thedistinct spatial communication profiles may comprise configuringparticular and/or distinct beamforming settings and/or antennaarrangement for each of the communication modules. In some instances, atleast some of the one or more communication modules may be configured tohave distinct frequency or channel.

The communication device may monitor a plurality of communicationrelated parameters or conditions that are associated with and/or thatmay affect the configuration and/or use of the communication modules. Inthis regard, the communication related parameters and/or conditions maypertain to link quality and/or propagation environment. Thecommunication device may then configure the multiplexing mode ofoperation based on the communication related information. Furthermore,the communication device may determine and/or select connection typesand/or communication protocols, which are used for establishing one ormore links via the communication modules, for communicating the datastreams. The selection of the connection types and/or communicationprotocols may be based on monitored and/or collected communicationrelated information. The communication device may allocate communicationresources to the plurality of communication modules for use during thecommunication of the data streams. At least some of the allocatedresources may be shared among the plurality of communication modules.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary communication systemthat supports use and central management of distributed transceivers, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1,there is shown a communication network 100 comprising a plurality ofapplication devices, of which application devices 111-119 are displayed.

The application devices 111-119 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,code, and/or interfaces that may be operable to communicate voice anddata with one to another over wired and/or wireless connections. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the application devices111-119 in the communication network 100 may comprise one or moredistributed transceivers (DTs) for communication in the communicationnetwork 100. For example, distributed transceivers 111 a through 119 amay be integrated in the application devices 111 through 119,respectively, and utilized for receiving and transmitting signals. Eachdistributed transceiver may be equipped with an independentlyconfigurable antenna or antenna array that is operable to transmit andreceive signals over the air. For example, the distributed transceivers111 a each may be equipped with an independently configurable antennaarray 111 b, and the distributed transceiver 118 a, however, may beequipped with a single independently configurable antenna 118 b totransmit and receive signals over the air. Depending on devicecapabilities and user preferences, distributed transceivers such as thedistributed transceivers 111 a within the application device 111, forexample, may comprise radios such as a millimeter Wave (mmWave), a WLAN,WiMAX, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), cellular radios, WiMAXradio, or other types of radios. In this regard, radios such as mmWaveradios may be utilized at very high carrier frequencies for highthroughput wireless communications.

In operation, the distributed transceivers 111 a through 119 a in thecommunication network 100 are physically positioned and oriented atdifferent locations within corresponding application devices such likelaptop, TV, gateway and/or set-top box. The distributed transceivers 111a through 119 a may be centrally managed by a single network managementengine (NME) 120 of the communication network 100. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the network management engine 120 mayreside within a specific application device in the communication network100. The network management engine 120 may be centralized as a fullsoftware implementation on a separate network microprocessor, forexample. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an applicationdevice in the communication network 100 may act or function as a masterapplication device or an end-user application device. An applicationdevice that comprises the network management engine 120 and/or may haveaccess to manage or control the network management engine 120 todynamically configure and manage operation of the entire distributedtransceivers in the communication network 100 is referred to a masterapplication device. An application device that does not comprise thenetwork management engine 120 and/or may have no access to manage orcontrol the network management engine 120 is referred to as an end-userapplication device.

In some instances, the application device 111 acts as a masterapplication device in the communication network 100. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the network management engine 120 in themaster application device 111 may be utilized to configure, control, andmanage the entire distributed transceivers 111 a through 119 a in thecommunication network 100 to optimize network performance. Theapplication devices 111-119 each may operate in a transmission mode orin a receiving mode. In instances where the master application device111 is transmitting multimedia information such as images, video, voice,as well as any other form of data to one or more receiving devices suchas the end-user application devices 112-116, the network managementengine 120 in the master application device 111 may be enabled tomonitor and collect corresponding communication environment informationfrom the end-user application devices 112-116. The collectedcommunication environment information may comprise propagationenvironment conditions, link quality, device capabilities, antennapolarization, radiation pattern, antenna spacing, array geometry, devicelocations, target throughput, and/or application QoS requirementsreported. The network management engine 120 may be operable todynamically configure the distributed transceivers 111 a-116 a andassociated antenna or antenna array 111 b-116 b, and to coordinate andmanage the operation of the distributed transceivers 111 a-116 a andassociated antenna or antenna array 111 b-116 b based on the collectedcommunication environment information supplied from the end-userapplication devices 112-116. In this regard, the network managementengine 120 may configure a single application device such as theapplication device 117 to maintain continuous connection with multipledifferent application devices such as the application devices 111-113.

The application device capabilities may comprise battery life, number oftransceivers, number of antennas per transceiver, device interfacetypes, processing protocols, service types, service classes and/orservice requirements. The interface types for the application devices111-119 may comprise access interface types such as Multimedia over CoaxAlliance (MoCA), WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Femtocell, and/or cordless.The processing protocols may comprise service layer protocols, IP layerprotocols and link layer protocols, as specified, for example, in theOpen Systems Interconnect (OSI) model. The service layer protocols maycomprise secure protocols such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and controlprotocols such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The IP layer protocolsmay comprise IP signaling protocols such as SIP and H.323, and IP mediatransport protocols such as TCP, UDP, RTP, RTC and RTCP. The link layerprotocols may comprise technology-specific PHY and MAC layer protocolssuch as, for example, Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), WiFi,Ethernet, Femtocell, and/or cordless.

Although communication among the application devices 111-119 with one ormore distributed transceivers is illustrated in FIG. 1, the inventionmay not be so limited. Accordingly, an application device may beoperable to utilize one or more associated distributed transceivers tocommunicate with one or more application devices with normaltransceivers without departing from the spirit and scope of variousembodiments of the invention.

In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the application devices 111-119may support one or more multiplexing modes of operations, which may beutilized to enhance communications among the devices (e.g., increasethroughput). In this regard, during a multiplexing mode of operation,the distributed transceivers of the application devices 111-119 may beconfigured to support communication of multiple data streams by each ofthese devices, by multiplexing these multiple data streams over thedevices' distributed transceivers. For example, multiple distributedtransceivers, and/or antennas or antenna array elements associatedtherewith, may be configured with distinct communication profiles and/orcharacteristics, such that communicating via each of these transceivers(or antennas) may not affect remaining transceivers, thus allowing forconcurrent and/or independent communicating by these remainingtransceivers. In this regard, the transceiver may be configured to havedistinct spatial communication profile (e.g., forming beams with uniqueand/or particular directionality) and/or to establish distinctcommunication links (e.g., distinct communication protocol, connectiontype, and/or frequency or frequency channel), which may not interferewith communication links established by any of the remainingtransceivers.

During a multiplexing mode of operation, determining and/or configuringvarious settings associated with the selected multiplexing mode may bedone based on communication environment information, which may becollected by the network management engine 120.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary usage scenario wheredistributed transceivers are centrally managed to create ahigh-performance link between a transmitting device and one receivingdevice, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2, there is shown a master application device 210 and an end-userapplication device 220.

The master application device 210 may comprise suitable logic,circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to communicatemultimedia information such as images, video, voice, as well as anyother forms of data with one or more application devices such as theend-user application device 220. The master application device 210 maycomprise a collection of distributed transceivers 212 a through 212 e,and a central processor 217 that comprises a central baseband processor214, a network management engine 216 and a memory 218. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, each of the collection of distributedtransceivers 212 a through 212 e may be physically positioned andoriented at different locations within an application device such as alaptop, TV, gateway, and set-top box. In this regard, the collection ofdistributed transceivers 212 a through 212 e may be implemented invarious ways such as, for example, a single distributed transceiverintegrated in a single chip package; multiple silicon dies on one singlechip; and multiple distributed transceivers on a single silicon die.Depending on device capabilities and user preferences, the distributedtransceivers 212 a-212 e may be oriented in a fixed direction ormultiple different directions. In another exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the collection of distributed transceivers 212 a-212 e may beoperable to receive and/or transmit radio frequency signals from and/orto the end-user application device 220 using air interface protocolsspecified in UMTS, GSM, LTE, WLAN (e.g., IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac), 60GHz/mmWave (e.g., WiGig, IEEE 802.11ad), and/or WiMAX, for example. Insome embodiments of the invention, active distributed transceivers mayeach operate at different RF carrier frequencies and/or using differentair interface protocols. For example, transceiver 212 a may be operatingat 5 GHz carrier RF frequency using IEEE 802.11ac air protocol, whiletransceiver 212 b may be concurrently operating at 60 GHz carrier RFfrequency using IEEE 802.11ad air protocol.

The end-user application device 220 may comprise suitable logic,circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable communication withother devices, such as the master application device 210. In thisregard, the end-user application device 220 may be substantially similarto the master application device 210. For example, the end-userapplication device 220 may comprise transceivers 222 and 224, utilizingantennas (or antenna arrays) 222 a-222 n and 224 a-224 m, respectively,a baseband processor 226, and a memory 228.

The central baseband processor 214 may comprise suitable logic,circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to performbaseband digital signal processing needed for transmission and receivingoperation of the entire collection of distributed transceivers 212 athrough 212 e. For example, the central baseband processor 214 may beoperable to perform waveform generation, equalization, and/or packetprocessing associated with the operation of the collection ofdistributed transceivers 212 a through 212 e. In addition, the centralbaseband processor 214 may be operable to configure, manage and controlorientations of the distributed transceivers 212 a-212 e. The basebandprocessor 226 may be substantially similar to the central basebandprocessor 214.

The network management engine 216 may comprise suitable logic,circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to monitor andcollect communication environment information such as propagationenvironment conditions, reflectors in the environment and theirpositions, link quality, application device capabilities,transmitter/receiver locations, target throughput, and/or applicationQoS requirements. The network management engine 216 may utilize thecollected communication environment information to configure system,network and communication environment conditions as needed. For example,the network management engine 216 may be operable to perform high levelsystem configurations such as the number of transceivers that areactivated, the number of application devices that are being communicatedwith, transmit power levels per distributed transceiver and per antennaswithin a transceiver, adding/dropping application devices to thecommunication network 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the network managementengine 216 is residing in the master application device 210. However, insome embodiments the network management engine 216 may reside ondifferent network devices such as separate network microprocessors andservers on the communication network 100. The network management engine216 may comprise a full software implementation, for example. Inaddition, the functionality of the network management engine 216 may bedistributed over several devices in the communication network 100. Insome embodiments the network management engine 216 may be operable tomanage communication sessions over the communication network 100. Inthis regard, the network management engine 216 may be operable tocoordinate operation of baseband processors in the communication network100 such that various baseband processing may be split or shared amongthe baseband processors. For example, the network management engine 216may enable multiple central baseband processors for parallel basebandprocessing in order to increase throughput if needed.

The memory 218 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/orcode that may be operable to store information such as executableinstructions and data that may be utilized by the central basebandprocessor 214 and/or other associated component units such as, forexample, the network management engine 216. The memory 218 may compriseRAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/orother suitable electronic data storage. The memory 228 may besubstantially similar to the memory 218.

In an exemplary operation, a wireless link may be established betweenthe master application device 210 and the end-user application device220 through a reflector 230. In an exemplary embodiment of theinvention, the master application device 210 may be operable tocontinuously scan the propagation environment to identify the directionsand antenna patterns that result in strong reflected signals at theend-user application device 220. Then, the master application device 210may associate each strong reflector with one of the collection ofdistributed transceivers 212 a through 212 e so as to transmit anindependent different data stream to the end-user application device 220over each distributed transceiver and through each strong reflector. Forexample, the master application device 210 transmits two data streams tothe end-user application device 220 using two different distributedtransceivers 212 a and 212 d that may use the same frequency channel. Inparticular, the distributed transceivers 212 a may choose a beam pattern250 and orientation for a direct LOS to a transceiver 222, for example,of the end-user application device 220 (the receiving device) andtransmit a first data stream over a carrier frequency RF₁. On the otherhand, the distributed transceivers 212 d may choose a beam pattern 252and orientation that is pointing towards the reflector 230 and transmita second data stream also over the same carrier frequency RF₁. Thereflector 230 then may reflect the beam 252 towards a differenttransceiver 224 of the end-user application device 220. The selection ofbeam patterns 250 and 252 may be constrained such that thecross-interference at receivers 222 and 224 may be minimized or reducedbelow a programmable threshold. Iterative and/or adaptive steps may beused to fine-tune the patterns 250 and 252, such as based on feedbackfrom measured cross-interference at receivers 222 and 224. The selectionof the beam patterns 250 and 252 may come from the central basebandprocessor 214 and the network management engine 216. In an exemplaryembodiment of the invention, the central baseband processor 214 mayprofile channel energy for directions of arrival and other schemes. Thenetwork management engine 216 may know communication environmentinformation such as the number of users, number of streams needed,and/or available frequency channels. For example, the central basebandprocessor 214 and the network management engine 216 may select narrowbeams for close devices and may select wide beams for further devices,respectively.

In one embodiment of the invention, the master application device 210may be operable to utilize the reflector 230 for the second data stream,for example, to lower the chances of an object blocking both the firstand second data streams, simultaneously. In other words, if a big enoughobject blocks the LOS between the master application device 210 and theend-user application device 220, the second data stream may likely beintact and sustained by complete direct reflecting through a reflectedpath 252 a. Although FIG. 2 shows one reflector 230, in one embodimentof the invention, several reflectors may be used to transmit one datastream or multiple data streams. The use of multiple reflectors mayprovide reflection diversification in case one reflector or a sub-set ofreflectors are blocked. In other words, instead of directing alltransmit power towards one reflector only, the total transmit power maybe distributed to propagate over a set of “good” reflectors in theenvironment. This distribution of power over different reflectors may bedone in a controlled, configurable, adaptive, and intelligent manner.For example, reflectors may be chosen and targeted that provide betterorthogonality and/or independence between the different paths.

In FIG. 2, the master application device 210 may use a second reflectorat a different location and another distributed transceiver 212 c, forexample, to communicate with the end-user application device 220 andsend a third data stream. Also the reflected path 252 a may be caused bymore than one reflector where, for example, the distributed transceiver212 e transmits towards the reflector 230 and the reflection transmitstowards a second reflector and the reflection of the second reflectorreaches the end-user application device 220. In another embodiment ofthe invention, the first and second data streams in FIG. 2 may comprisethe same data content and the use of LOS path and one or more reflectorpaths may provide link robustness for data content in case an obstacleblocks some of the paths.

The master application device 210 may continuously monitor and collectpropagation environment conditions, link quality, device capabilities,locations, target throughput, and/or application QoS requirementsreported from the end-user application device 220. In this regard, afeedback or negotiation channel 240 may be utilized to exchange andnegotiate system configurations such as number of transceivers withindevices, number of antennas per transceivers, the measured channelresponses, the sequence of antenna array coefficients being evaluated,and/or device location. The feedback or negotiation channel 240 may beimplemented through a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi 802.11* link), Bluetooth link(over 2.4 GHz band), and/or 60 GHz link, for example

In some embodiments of the invention, the master application device 210and/or the (slave) end-user application device 220 may deploy aplurality of baseband processors for implementing data processingrequirements and/or demands. For example, multiple baseband processorsmay be deployed to generate and/or decode different data streams thatmay be transmitted or received by several distributed transceivers. Insuch configuration, the NME (e.g., NME 216) may be used to enablecontrolling and/or coordinating operation of the multiple basebandprocessors. In this regard, several internal connection topologies maybe used. In some embodiments of the invention, each baseband processormay be dedicated and/or assigned to a subset of distributed transceiversavailable in the system, and for each baseband processor, ring and/orstar topologies (explained later) may be used in interacting withcorresponding transceiver(s). In this regard, there may be no datatransfer between the subsets. In another embodiment, however, allbaseband processors and transceivers (within a device) may be connectedtogether through a ring topology (single cable). In such scenario, thebaseband processors may coordinate sharing the single cable, such asbased on time-multiplexing (same IF frequency) or frequency-multiplexing(different IF frequencies). The baseband processors may have differentpower, processing, and/or communication characteristics. Accordingly, insome embodiments of the invention, the baseband processor that is mostsuitable for a particular mode of operation (e.g., lower powerconsumption meeting the throughput requirement) may be selected andactivated, with the other baseband processors remaining inactive and/orgetting disabled.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates an exemplary transceiver module, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3,there is shown a transceiver 300 comprising an antenna array 310, anantenna array with/without antenna combiner 320, down-converters 330,up-converters 340, and a multiplexer 350.

In an exemplary operation, the antenna array 310 may comprise suitablelogic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable totransmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals over the air. Fortransmission the transceiver 300 may be operable to receive a transmitsignal from the central baseband processor 214. The transmit signalreceived from the central baseband processor 214 may be up-converted toRF frequency via the up-converters 340. For reception, the transceiver300 may pass a receive signal from the antenna array 310 afterdown-conversion to the central baseband processor 214. The multiplexer350 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code thatmay be operable to multiplex the transmit signal received from thecentral baseband processor 214 and the receive signal supplied from theantenna array 310. In this regard, the multiplexer 350 may utilizeeither time-division-multiplexing or frequency-domain-multiplexing tocommunicate the transmit signal and the receive signal over the samemedium such as a cable.

The antenna array with/without antenna combiner 320 may comprisesuitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operableto scale and/or phase-shift signals before the down-converters 330and/or signals after the up-converters 340. For example, in transmissionoperation the signal provided by the up-converters 340 may bephase-shifted by the shifter by different values. The resultingphase-shifted signals may be fed to different antenna elements withinthe antenna array 310. In another embodiment of the invention, theantenna array 310 may be oriented in a fixed direction or multipledifferent directions depending on antenna types and user preferences.For example, the antenna array 310 may be implemented as a fixeddirectional antenna array to provide maximal directionality (with noexplicit combiner). The same two modules, that is, the antenna array 310and the antenna array with/without antenna combiner 320, may becorrespondingly utilized in a reception operation for the transceiver300. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the operation of theantenna array with/without antenna combiner 320 may be managed orprogrammed by the network management engine 216.

The down-converters 330 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry,interfaces and/or code that may be operable to translate a radiofrequency (RF) received from the antenna array 310 to anintermediate-frequency (IF) signal during reception. The up-converters340 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code thatmay be operable to translate an intermediate-frequency (IF) signal of acorresponding baseband signal supplied from the central basebandprocessor 214, for example to a RF signal during transmission. In someembodiments of the invention, the transceiver module in FIG. 3 may notcontain the up-conversion and/or down-conversion sub-blocks 330 and 340.In such cases, no frequency translation may be performed, and RF and IFfrequencies may be identical.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary application device with acollection of distributed transceivers, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an applicationdevice 400, which may comprise a central processor 420 that is connectedto a collection of distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N).

The distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) and the central processor420 may be connected using different topologies. For example, thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may be connected to the centralprocessor 420 using star topology, whereby direct separate cables may beused, for example, to connect the central processor 420 to each of thecollection of transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N). Alternatively, a ringtopology may be utilized, whereby a single movable cable or connector,for example, may be used to connect the central processor 420 to anyparticular one of the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) at anygiven point. In other words, the central processor 420 may connect toone of the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N), and that connectionmay then be moved to a different transceiver when needed. One or morecontrol channels (e.g., multiplexed over the same cable) between thecentral processor 420 and the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N)may be utilized for configuring and managing corresponding transceivers.The number and/or structure of the control channels may differ based onthe connectivity topology. For example, with star topology, a pluralityof control channels 412 ₁-412 _(N) may be used to connect the centralprocessor 420 to each of the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N),and may be utilized for configuring and managing the transceivers 410₁-410 _(N), respectively (e.g., assigning different addresses to eachtransceiver, for configuration of READ/WRITE commands). In ringtopology, a single control channel 412 may be used, and may be utilizedto connect the central processor 420 to each particular distributedtransceiver 410 _(x) at any given point, to enable configuring andmanaging that transceiver. In both topologies, the same cables may beused for routing power supply to the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410_(N).

While the interface between the central processor 420 and thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may be described as utilizingcable (i.e., the central processor 420 being connected to thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) via one or more cables), theinvention may not be so limited. Accordingly, in some embodiments of theinvention, the cable connection between the central baseband processorand the distributed transceivers may be substituted with an opticalconnection, printed-board connection, Ethernet cable, or anotherwireless connection.

The central processor 420 comprises a baseband processor 440, a networkmanagement engine 430, down-converters 442, up-converters 444, amultiplexer 450 and a memory 460. The baseband processor 440 maycomprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may beoperable to provide MODEM functionality. In this regard, the centralprocessor 420 may be operable to perform various baseband digitalprocessing such as MIMO, OFDM, CDMA, frequency-hopping, channel coding,HARQ, channel estimation and equalization, Timing/Carrier recovery andsynchronization. The network management engine 430 may operate insubstantially the same manner as the network management engine 218 inFIG. 2. During transmission, a baseband signal supplied from thebaseband processor 440 may be translated into an intermediate-frequency(IF) signal. The up-converters 444 may further translate the IF signalto a final radio-frequency (RF) and send it over the air through anantenna array such as the antenna array 411 ₁. For reception, thetransceiver 410 ₁, for example, may pass a received RF signal from theantenna array 411 ₁ to the down-converters 442. The down-converters 442may translate the RF signal into an IF signal. The IF signal may furtherbe translated to a baseband signal to the baseband processor 440, forexample. The multiplexer 450 may be responsible for multiplexingreceive/transmit signals utilizing either time-division-multiplexing orfrequency-domain-multiplexing. The memory 460 may comprise suitablelogic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to storeinformation such as executable instructions and data that may beutilized by the baseband processor 440 and/or other associated componentunits such as, for example, the network management engine 430. Thememory 360 may comprise RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such asflash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage.

In some embodiments of the invention, the interface between the centralprocessor 420 and the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may alsobe configured to allow for supporting the transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N)having digital processing and mixed-signal capability—i.e., to allow forinteractions based on non-analog IF connections. For example, thetransceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may comprise analog-to-digital-converters(ADCs) and digital-to-analog-converters (DACs). In such scenario, atransceiver 410 _(x) may receive digital bits from the central processor420 (through a digital link), after processing via the basebandprocessor 440 for example, and may use its internal DAC to generate theanalog waveform and then perform the frequency up-conversion andbeamforming steps. Similarly, a transceiver 410 _(x) may receive an RFwaveform, down-convert it, and then use its internal ADC to digitize thewaveform and send the digital bits over a digital connection/cable tothe centralized processor 420 (where it may be further processed via thebaseband processor 440, for example). In other embodiments of theinvention, the transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may comprise more digitalprocessing blocks, in addition to ADC/DAC blocks. In such scenario, aportion of processing within the central processor 420 may be moved(e.g., in terms of partitioning) to the transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N). Inthe above embodiments of the invention—i.e., when there may be need fordigital based interfacing between the central processor and thetransceivers—digital connections and/or interfaces such as Ethernet andvarious memory bus protocols may be deployed.

The distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may operate in various modessuch as spatial diversity mode, frequency diversity mode, multiplexingmode, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) mode, and/or relay mode.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410_(N) may be configured to switch between spatial diversity mode,frequency diversity mode, multiplexing mode,multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) mode, and/or relay mode based oncorresponding propagation environment conditions, link quality, devicecapabilities, device locations, usage of resources, resourceavailability, target throughput, application QoS requirements.

In spatial diversity mode, the central processor 420 may be operable toutilize the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) to establish aspatial diversity link with intended end user device such as theend-user application device 220. For example, only a portion of thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) that may have strong propagationchannel responses are activated and other transceivers are switched offfor power saving. In another example, the distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N) may be arranged such that the master application device 210(the transmitter) with available LOS towards the end-user device 220(the receiver) may be configured to directly beam towards the receiver.In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each active distributedtransceiver may communicate data streams utilizing the same finalcarrier frequency. In frequency diversity mode, the central processor420 may manage the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) similar tospatial diversity mode except that each active distributed transceivermay utilize a different final carrier frequency if such frequencyspectrum channel is available. In some embodiments, different finalcarrier frequencies may be utilized for minimizing cross-interference,which may be present when operating in the same carrier frequency,and/or for exploiting additional diversity in the frequency domain. Insome embodiments, the central processor 420 may also be operable toconfigure the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) in accordance witha polarization diversity mode. In this regard, the central processor 420may to configure the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) such thatto establish, a plurality of modules and/or links with intended end userdevices, having varying antenna polarization. For example, the centralprocessor 420 may configure the antennas and/or antenna arrays (orsubsets thereof) of each of the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N)with different antenna polarizations for to achieve antenna polarizationdiversification. In this regard, antenna polarization refers to theorientation of the electric field of the radio wave transmitted (or maybe received) by an antenna. Accordingly, applying varying antennapolarization to each of the each of the distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N) may enable receiving and/or transmitting signals by differentdistributed transceivers, each with a different polarization, and thusmay reduce the interference—i.e., signals transmitted, by a particularantenna (or group of antennas) configured at antenna polarization P1,would not be received by a second antenna configured at differentpolarization P2, and as such would not interfere with signals receptionat the second antenna.

In relay mode, the central processor 420 may manage the distributedtransceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) to support relay mode of operation, wherebythe application device 400 may be utilized in relaying data streamsbetween two other devices. In this regard, the star topologyimplementation may particularly be suited for relay operations, enablingreception of input data stream from a first device, via a first set ofthe distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N), and (re)transmission of thereceived data stream to a second device via a second set of thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N). The selection of the first andsecond sets of the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N), and theconfiguration thereof may be performed adaptively and/or dynamically. Inthis regard, the transceivers utilized in receiving and/or transmittingthe relayed streams may be select such that to optimize the relayingoperation performed. This may comprise, for example, selecting and/orconfiguring the transceivers such that radio frequencies and/or channelsmay be reused efficiently. For example, use of beamforming may enablemitigating potential interference between incoming and outgoing signalsas to allow using the same radio frequency (RF). In other words, thesame RF channel/spectrum may be reused in manner that may allow formaintaining links with the two end devices utilizing physicallyseparated transceivers that may use non-overlapping antenna patterns tominimize interference. Furthermore, the transceiver(s) maybe beconfigured as to use only some of the antennas available therein (e.g.,subset of the antenna array), and/or may allow for use of transceiverswithout array processing.

In multiplexing mode, the central processor 420 may manage thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) in such a way that differentstreams of data may be transmitted through different sets of thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N). For example, in multiplexingmode, different distributed transceivers of the distributed transceivers410 ₁-410 _(N) may be dynamically programmed such that eachtransceiver's maximum pattern gain may be pointing to a differentdirection or reflector. As the environment changes (and hence locationof reflectors and end user unit change), the antenna pattern of thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may be re-adjusted. In MIMOmode, the central processor 420 may manage the distributed transceivers410 ₁-410 _(N) in such a way that different streams of data may betransmitted through different sets of the distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N) to a single receiver device such as the end-user applicationdevice 220.

In various embodiments of the invention, a multiplexing mode ofoperation may be configured and/or applied to allow establishing (andusing) different and/or distinct communication links, which may enablemultiplexing a plurality of data streams onto the distributedtransceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) (and/or the antennas) of the applicationdevice 400. Each data stream may require and/or provide different QoS,latency, bit-error-rate (BER), data rate, constellation, channel codingscheme, and/or modulation. In this regard, during a multiplexing mode ofoperation, the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may be configuredsuch that a plurality of data streams may be multiplexed over thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N), with these data streams beingdirected to, for example, different target end-user application devices.In other instances, at least some of the data streams multiplexed overthe distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may be directed to the sametarget end-user application device. To guard against unintendedinterference among the data streams—e.g., residual cross-interferenceamong the streams—a multiplexing mode of operation may be configured tomitigate such interference. For example, during a multiplexing mode ofoperation, the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) may be configuredsuch that each transceiver module may exhibit distinct spatialcommunication characteristics, to ensure that signals communicated viaeach transceiver may not interfere with signals communicated to and/orfrom other transceiver modules. The transceivers may also be configuredto establish distinct communication links that may not interfere withlinks established by other transceivers. This may be achieved byutilizing distinct communication protocols (e.g., WiFi vs. WiMAX) and/orconnection types. This may also be achieved by simply assigningdifferent and sufficiently distinct frequencies and/or frequencychannels to the transceivers, with these frequencies or frequencychannels being selected in a manner that ensure that communications bythese transceiver modules would cause cross-interference.

While a multiplexing mode of operation may be described with respect toindividual transceivers (e.g., each of the distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N)), the invention need not be so limited. Accordingly, in someembodiments of the invention, a multiplexing mode of operation maycomprise adaptive configuration of communication modules, based ongrouping of antennas, which may comprise some of all of antennas (orantenna elements) of a single transceiver (e.g., grouping of only someof the antennas of the distributed transceiver 410 ₁), or may compriseantennas (or antenna elements) of more than one transceiver (e.g.,grouping of all of the antennas of the distributed transceiver 410 ₁ andsome of the antennas of the distributed transceiver 410 _(N)). In thisregard, rather than configuring individual transceivers, configuring adevice such as the application device 400 in a multiplexing mode ofoperation may comprise dynamic configuration of communication moduleswhich may adaptively combine particular antenna(s) or antenna arrayelement(s) in the application device 400, along with one or moretransceivers (e.g., transceivers associated with the selected antennasor antenna array elements), with each of the communication modules beingconfigured separately and/or adaptively in accordance with theapplication multiplexing mode of operation.

In some embodiments of the invention, during a multiplexing mode ofoperation—i.e., when multiple communication links areestablished—different data streams with different security type/level ordifferent priority or different traffic may be communicated overdifferent communication links between two devices. Also, multiplexingmay be utilized to further enhance security during communication. Forexample, when content is encrypted during communication between thedevices, the content may be communicated over a first wireless linkbetween the devices while the encryption key for that content is sentover a different link. In some instance, the encryption key may be sentover control channel(s)—e.g., the feedback or negotiation channel 240.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating exemplary use of multiplexing duringcommunication of multiple data streams by an application device with acollection of distributed transceivers that are implemented in a startopology, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referringto FIG. 5A, there is shown the application device 400 of FIG. 4.

The application device 400 may be configured into a multiplexing mode ofoperation. In this regard, during the multiplexing mode of operation,the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) of the application device400 may be configured to support communication of multiple streams fromand/or to the application device 400. The distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N) may be connected to the central processor 420 in a startopology, using corresponding dedicated connections 412 ₁-412 _(N) thatconnect the central processor 420 to each of the distributedtransceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N). Accordingly, the central processor 420 maybe configured to provide the data streams, at the same times, to each ofthe distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) being utilized formultiplexed communication.

During the multiplexing mode of operation, the central processor 420 mayhandle a plurality of data streams communicated to and/or from theapplication device 400. The baseband processor 440, the up-converters444, and the down-converters 442 may be operable to perform thenecessary processing and/or conversion between actual data (i.e.,information bits), intermediate frequency (IF) waveforms, andcommunicated carrier RF streams. Furthermore the multiplexer 450 may beutilized for handling, based on the topology of the application device400, communication of IF waveforms to and/or from the distributedtransceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N). Since dedicated connections with thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) are available in a star topologyimplementation, the multiplexer 450 may implement frequency-divisionmultiplexing—i.e., using different intermediate frequency (IF)waveforms—when forwarding the data streams targeted for transmission tothe intended transceivers. For example, the central processor 420 mayreceive two streams of data for transmittal (Data 1 and Data 2), and maygenerate, based on processing via the baseband processor 440 andup-converters 444, two corresponding F_IF₁ and F_IF₂ waveforms eachcarrying a different one of the data streams (Data 1 and Data 2,respectively). The F_IF₁ and F_IF₂ waveforms may then be communicated toselected transceivers (e.g., transceivers 410 ₁ and 410 ₂) fortransmission. In this regard, the F_IF₁ and F_IF₂ waveforms may becommunicated concurrently to the transceivers 410 ₁ and 410 ₂, usingcorresponding dedicated connections 412 ₁ and 412 ₂. The transceivers410 ₁ and 410 ₂ may then communicate the data streams Data 1 and Data 2using corresponding carrier RFs (channels) F_RF₁ and F_RF₂.

In some embodiments of the invention, during a multiplexing mode ofoperation, the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) used incommunicating the multiple data streams may be configured to use thesame frequency channels. In the previous example, carriers F_RF₁ andF_RF₂, utilized by the transceivers 410 ₁ and 410 ₂ to communicate thedata streams Data 1 and Data 2, may actually be the same frequencychannels. In other embodiments of the invention, different carrierfrequencies or frequency channels may be utilized during a multiplexingmode of operation, such as when additional frequencies and/or frequencychannels may be available. For example, data streams Data 1 and Data 2,which may be transmitted over different frequency channels—i.e., F_RF₁and F_RF₂ are different, and this may result in elimination ofunacceptable residual cross-interference between the two streams. Inthis regard, when different RF frequencies are used, the RF assignmentsmay follow a hopping pattern, which may be based on a determined and/ornegotiated pattern. In this mode, F_RF₁ follows a hopping pattern wherethe values are selected from a set of RF carriers (similarly for F_RF₂).The frequency hopping may be used among the transceivers (of the samedevice) and/or among the different devices. In other embodiments,however, instead of using a fixed antenna pattern by a transceiver overa period of time, the antenna pattern may be switched (e.g., slow orfast rate of switching/hopping) between a set of antenna patterncandidates. For example, the NME (430) may decide that three antennapatterns may be suitable for a transceiver module. Instead of choosingonly one of these candidates, the NME (430) may utilize this antennapattern hopping mode for achieving diversity over all three “good”antenna pattern candidates.

During a multiplexing mode of operation, at least some of thetransceivers used in communicating data streams may be configured tohave a particular spatial and/or directional profile, which may mitigatecross-interference between the communicated data streams. This may beparticularly useful when utilizing the same carrier frequency (channel)during multiplexing mode. Nonetheless, spatial/directionalcharacteristics may be incorporated even when differentfrequencies/channels are utilized. Each of the transceivers 410 ₁ and410 ₂ may be configured, for example, with a different beamformingand/or antenna arrangement, to generate distinct particular directionalbeam patterns 512 ₁ and 512 ₂, respectively, which may enablecommunication of signals in a particular direction. Thus, thecommunication of data streams Data 1 and Data 2 may be performed withdifferent antenna patterns, enabling the intended receiving devices toreceive these different streams from different directions. For example,the directionality of the communication profiles of data streams Data 1and Data 2 may be tailored for LOS communication—i.e., directed at theintended receiving device(s), and/or for communication throughreflectors—i.e., directed at the particular reflector point(s) thatwould reflect the communication towards the intended receivingdevice(s). In this regard, configuring directionality of thetransceivers for indirect communication (i.e., via reflectors) maycomprise identifying and utilizing reflectors in the environment asmultiplexing paths. The reflectors used for such operations may bespecially positioned and/or may be randomly positioned existingreflectors. Reflectors may be specially manufactured and/or optimized,passive and/or active devices with good reflection characteristics. Auser may acquire a number of these reflectors and mount them atdifferent locations in the environment to improve network coveragewithin the environment.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the communicateddata streams may be intended for a single receiving device. For example,the data streams Data 1 and Data 2 may be intended for the samereceiving end user device, with those data streams being used to carrydifferent data (to increase the throughput) or carrying the same data(for enhancing reliability, such as through diversification). In otherinstances, however, the data streams communicated during a multiplexingmode of operation may be intended for different target receivingdevices. For example, the data streams Data 1 and Data 2 may be intendedfor two different end devices. In this regard, the receiving devices maybe configured (e.g., based on information provided by the device 400(and NME) via the feedback or negotiation channel 240) to receive thecorrect/intended data streams. For example, when the transceivers 410 ₁and 410 ₂ are configured to have distinct spatial profiles—i.e., withdifferent beamforming patterns and/or directionality, and because theintended receiving devices are (likely) spatially separated, theintended receiving device for Data 1 may configure the beamforming ofits receiver(s) based on the directionality of the transceiver 410 ₁,thus receiving stream Data 1. Similarly, intended receiving device forData 1 may configure the beamforming of its receiver(s) based on thedirectionality of the transceiver 410 ₂, thus receiving stream Data 2.In such scenario, multiple-access is achieved by occupying only one RFchannel while two streams of data (Data 1 and Data 2) are concurrentlytransmitted to two end devices. The application device 400 may searchfor and/or determine two directions (either LOS or through strongreflectors in the environment) that result in maximum orthogonality(e.g., minimum cross-interference or leakage) between the receivedstreams at each receiver unit (least co-interference by the otherstream).

In instances where cross-interference among different streamscommunicated during a multiplexing mode of operation is not completelyeliminated (i.e., cross-interference is not zero), additionaloptimization measures may be incorporated and/or utilized to reduce theinterference. For example, during a multiplexing mode of operation,spatial/directionality configuration of transceivers may be optimized tocounter the presence of cross-interference, such as by controllingand/or adjusting configuration of beamforming and/or antennaarrangements based on Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) orSignal to Leakage plus Noise Ratio (SLNR) rather than Signal to NoiseRatio (SNR). In this regard, because SINR/SLNR based operationsincorporate measurement or estimation of interference in thecommunication path, configuring the transceiver communication profile ofthe transceivers based on the SNIR and/or SLNR may enhance performance.For example, because SINR/SLNR is typically a function of RF frequency,selection and/or assignment of RF or frequency channels based onSINR/SLNR measurement (or estimation) may result in improved SINR forcorresponding link(s). Thus, configurations that may be based onSINR/SLNR may maximize rejection/leakage between different streams.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the data streamscommunicated during a multiplexing mode of operation (e.g., data streamsData 1 and Data 2) may correspond to coded versions of the same streamof information bits. For example, space-time coding (STC) (and/orchannel coding schemes such as Turbo coding, LDPC coding) may be appliedon the information bits to generate the data streams Data 1 and Data 2.Each of the data streams Data 1 and Data 2 may be transmitted over adifferent transceiver (transceivers 410 ₁ and 410 ₂, respectively),using distinct spatial profile (beam pattern/direction) and/or distinctfrequency channels. At the receiving end, the intended receiving devicemay receive both streams Data 1 and Data 2 (possibly from two differentdirections), and may then apply space-time decoding schemes to recoverthe original information bits. The use of space-time encoding may enablethe receiving device to efficiently recover the original informationbits even though it may be receiving a superposition of streams Data 1and Data 2 at the receiving side. In this case, in addition to improvedeffective received signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), spatial/directionaldiversity may be achieved since the same information bits iscommunicated over two different links (different directions/reflectors).

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating exemplary use of multiplexing duringcommunication of multiple data streams by an application device with acollection of distributed transceivers that are implemented in a ringtopology, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referringto FIG. 5B, there is shown the application device 400 of FIG. 4.

The application device 400 may be configured into a multiplexing mode ofoperation, whereby at least some of the distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N) of the application device 400 may be configured and/or usedto support communication of multiple streams from and/or to theapplication device 400. In some instances, the distributed transceivers410 ₁-410 _(N) may be connected to the central processor 420 using ringtopology, wherein a single connection 412 may be utilized that connectthe central processor 420 to the distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410_(N). In this regard, a single movable connector, for example, may beused to connect the central processor 420 to any particular one of thedistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) at any given point, and thatconnector may then be moved to a different transceiver when needed.Accordingly, the central processor 420 may be configured to provide thedata streams, one at a time, to each of the distributed transceivers 410₁-410 _(N) being utilized for multiplexed communication.

In instances where the application device 400 implements a ringtopology, the multiplexer 450 may implement time-division multiplexingwhen forwarding the data streams targeted for transmission to theintended transceivers, such as during a multiplexing mode of operation.In this regard, use of connection 412 may be subject to a time divisionaccess scheme, with different time slots being allocated for each datastream. The central processor 420 may receive two streams of data fortransmittal (Data 1 and Data 2), and may generate, based on processingvia the baseband processor 440 and up-converters 444, two correspondingF_IF₁ and F_IF₂ waveforms each carrying a different one of the datastreams (Data 1 and Data 2, respectively). During time-slots allocatedto stream Data 1, the connection 412 may be established with thetransceiver 410 ₁ (selected for communication of Data 1), and the F_IF₁waveform may then be forwarded to the transceiver 410 ₁ fortransmission. During time-slots allocated to stream Data 2, theconnection 412 may be moved to the transceiver 410 ₂ (selected forcommunication of Data 2), and the F_IF₂ waveform (carrying bitscorresponding Data 2) may then be forwarded to the transceiver 410 ₂ fortransmittal thereby.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating exemplary use of multiplexing duringcommunication of multiple data streams to a single destination device,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 6,there are shown application devices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B), and areflector 650.

Each of the application devices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may besubstantially similar to the application device 400, as described withrespect to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B. In this regard, the application devices600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may similarly support various modes of operation,including a multiplexing mode of operation.

Each of the application devices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may comprise, forexample, a central processor (620 _(A) and 620 _(B), respectively),which may be substantially similar to the central processor 420 of theapplication device 400. The central processors 620 _(A) and 620 ₈ maycomprise corresponding network management engines (NMEs) 630 _(A) and630 _(B), respectively, each of which may be substantially similar tothe NME 430 of the Application device 400. In addition, each of theapplication devices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may comprise a plurality ofthe distributed transceivers (of which transceivers 610 ₁ and 610 ₂ inthe application device 600 _(A) and transceivers 640 ₁ and 640 ₂ in theapplication devices 600 _(B) are shown), may be substantially similar tothe distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) of the application device400.

The reflector 650 may be similar to the reflector 230. In this regard,the reflector 650 may comprise a physical object that may be enabled toreflect signals that are incident in particular direction at acorresponding reflected angles or direction. The reflector 650 may bespecially selected and/or positioned, and/or may be randomly positionedand existing in the environment.

In operation, the application devices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may beconfigured in a multiplexing mode of operation to enable communicationof multiple data streams by each of the devices. This may enhancecommunication between the devices, by allowing for increased throughputand/or improved reliability. In this regard, increased throughput mayresult from communicating different parts of the data via the multiplestreams and improved reliability may result from redundant communicationof the same data in the multiple steams.

For example, during a multiplexing mode of operation, the applicationdevices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may be able to communicate (e.g.,concurrently) two data streams (Data 1 and Data 2). In this regard, eachof the application devices 600 _(A) and 600 _(B) may configure twodifferent transceivers (e.g., the transceivers 610 ₁ and 610 ₂ in theapplication device 600 _(A) a nd the transceivers 640 ₁ and 640 ₂ in theapplication devices 600 _(B)) for communicating the two streams Data 1and Data 2. The utilized transceivers may be configured with distinctcommunication profiles, to enable communication of particular datastreams, without interfering with the other communication links. Forexample, during communication from application device 600 _(A) toapplication device 600 ₈, the two transmitting transceivers of theapplication device 600 _(A) (the transmitting side) may be configured toutilize different directions and/or beamforming patterns—e.g., thetransceiver 610 ₁ may be configured to utilize beamforming pattern 612 ₁tailored for LOS communication, and the transceiver 610 ₂ may beconfigured to utilize beamforming pattern 612 ₂ tailored for reflectionbased communication via reflector 650.

On the receiving side, the two receiving transceivers of the applicationdevice 600 ₈ may be configured to utilize different beamformingpatterns/directions, based on beamforming of the correspondingtransmitting transceivers. For example, the transceiver 640 ₂ may beconfigured to utilize beamforming pattern 642 ₁ tailored for LOScommunication towards the corresponding transmitting transceiver 610₁—i.e., having its beam formed in the direction of the transmittingtransceiver 610 ₁. The transceiver 640 ₁ may be configured to utilizebeamforming pattern 642 ₁, which is tailored for reflection basedcommunication, via the reflector 650—i.e., having its beam formed in theanticipated direction of the reflection, from the reflector 650, ofsignals of the transmitting transceiver 610 ₂.

In some embodiments of the invention, such antenna-pattern or spatialmultiplexing between two devices may be achieved by occupying only oneRF channel for all of the data streams (e.g., for both streams Data 1and Data 2) that are communicated between the two devices. Thus, thespatial multiplexing may increase the throughput (e.g., double thethroughput when two streams are used) without requiring additional usageof the frequency/channel spectrum.

Determining and/or setting the various settings associated for themultiplexing modes, and/or the utilized transceivers, may be based oncommunication environmental information, which may be collected by theNMEs 630 _(A) and 630 _(B). Furthermore, the NMEs 630 _(A) and 630 _(B)may exchange information (e.g., via a dedicated control channel, similarto the feedback or negotiation channel 240), which may be utilized bythe respective application devices during multiplexing operations.

FIG. 7A is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for dynamicconfiguration of a multiplexing mode of operation when communicatingwith a single target device, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 7A, there is shown a flow chart 700comprising a plurality of exemplary steps for multiplexing a pluralityof data streams communicated to a single target device.

In step 702, an application device, such as the application device (600_(A)), may establish control connection(s) with the target device (600_(B)). For example, the application device may establish with the targetdevice, a low-throughput high-fidelity channel (e.g., channel 240),which may be utilized to coordinate communications between theapplication devices. In this regard, the control connections may beutilized for communicating and negotiating system configurations usedfor high-throughput links. In step 704, the application device maydetermine whether there are sufficiently orthogonal directions availablebetween the devices.

In instances where it may be determined that there are no sufficientlyorthogonal directions available, the process may proceed to step 706. Instep 706, the application device may configure one or more communicationmodules for communicating with the other device. In this regard, thecommunication modules may be configured to enable communicating multipledata streams by means other than directionality. This may be achieved byconfiguring each of the communication modules based on different and/ordistinct communication protocol(s), connection type(s), and/or frequency(or frequency channel). In this regard, the NME may choose the bestsubset of transceivers that may provide the required number of datastreams (and throughout), with lowest total transmit power or totalpower consumption. Alternatively, and to conserve frequency spectrumusage, the communication modules may instead enable multiplexing of thedata streams while using the same frequency (channel) withoutdirectionality. For example, the data may be communicated viamultiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) and/or space-time-coding streams.In step 708, a plurality of data streams may be multiplexed using theconfigured communication modules, whereby independent streams may betransmitted from one device to the other device through differentcommunication modules. The process may then jump back to stop 704.

Returning to step 704, in instances where it may be determined thatthere are sufficiently orthogonal directions available; the process mayproceed to step 710. In step 710, the application device may configure aplurality of communication modules for communicating with the otherdevice (i.e., on two or more of the orthogonal directions). In step 712,a plurality of data streams may be multiplexed using the configuredcommunication modules, whereby independent streams may be transmitted(e.g., in different directions) between the devices. In step 714, it maybe determined whether any existing interference between the streamsexceeds a particular threshold. In this regard, the interferencethreshold may be configurable, user dependent, and/or may be based oncommunication environment information (as collected by the networkmanagement engines) and characteristics of data streams (modulation,constellation, coding gain, data rate). In instances where it may bedetermined that any existing interference does not exceed the threshold,the process may loop back to step 712; otherwise, the process may jumpback to stop 704.

FIG. 7B is a flow chart that illustrates exemplary steps for dynamicconfiguration of a multiplexing mode of operation when communicatingwith multiple target devices, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 7B, there is shown a flow chart 730comprising a plurality of exemplary steps for multiplexing a pluralityof data streams communicated to multiple target device.

In step 732, an application device, such as the application device 400,may establish control connection(s) with one or more target devices. Forexample, the application device 400 may establish with the targetdevices low-throughput high-fidelity channels (e.g., similar to thechannel 240), which may be utilized to coordinate communications betweenthe application device 400 and the target devices. In this regard, thecontrol connections may be utilized for communicating and negotiatingsystem configurations used for high-throughput links. In step 734, theapplication device may determine if there are sufficiently orthogonaldirections available between the application device 400 and each of thetarget devices.

In instances where it may be determined that there are no sufficientlyorthogonal directions available, the process may proceed to step 736. Instep 736, the application device may configure one or more communicationmodules for communicating with each of the target devices. In thisregard, the communication modules may be configured to enablecommunication of the data streams by means other than directionality(not available). This may be achieved by utilizing for each of thecommunication modules, different and/or distinct communicationprotocol(s), connection type(s), and/or frequency (or frequencychannel). In step 738, a plurality of data streams may be multiplexedusing the configured communication modules, whereby independent streamsmay be transmitted from one device to the other device through theconfigured communication modules. The process may then jump back to stop734.

Returning to step 734, in instances where it may be determined thatthere are sufficiently orthogonal directions available, the process mayproceed to step 740. In step 740, the application device may configure aplurality of communication modules for communicating with the targetdevices (i.e., using two or more of the available orthogonaldirections). In step 742, a plurality of data streams communicated tothe target devices may be multiplexed using the configured communicationmodules, whereby independent streams that are spatially distinct may betransmitted (in different directions) between the application device andthe target devices. In step 744, it may be determined whether anyexisting interference between the streams exceeds the applicableinterference threshold. In instances where it may be determined that anyexisting interference does not exceed the threshold, the process mayloop back to step 742; otherwise, the process may jump back to stop 734.

Various embodiments of the invention may comprise a method and systemfor utilizing multiplexing to increase throughput in a network ofdistributed transceivers with array processing. The application device400 may be configured into a multiplexing mode of operation. In thisregard, configuring the application device 400 for the multiplexing modeof operation may comprise adaptively and/or dynamically configuring oneor more communication modules, from one or more of the plurality ofdistributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N), with each of the communicationmodules comprising one or more antennas and/or antenna array elements,and at least one of that distributed transceivers 410 ₁-410 _(N) whichmay be associated with the one or more antenna(s) and/or antenna arrayelement(s). The communication modules may be utilized to multiplexcommunication of data streams from and/or to the application device 400.In some instances, at least some of the communicated data streams maycomprise the same data—i.e., for redundant communication of the samedata stream. Also, in some instances, at least some of the communicateddata streams may be directed to the same destination device. In someinstances, at least some of the communication modules may be configuredto have distinct spatial communication profiles. In this regard,creating the distinct spatial communication profiles may compriseconfiguring particular and/or distinct beamforming settings and/orantenna arrangement for each of the communication modules. In someinstances, one or more of the communication modules may be configured tohave a distinct frequency or channel.

The application device 400 may continuously monitor and/or collect,using the network management engine 430 for example, communicationrelated information, such as propagation environment conditions, linkquality, device capabilities, locations, target throughput, and/orapplication QoS requirements. The application device 400 may thenadaptively and/or dynamically configure (or reconfigure) multiplexingrelated operations and/or functions, and/or communication operationsbased thereon, based on the collected communication related information.In some instances, the application device 400 may configure, based on alocation of one or more reflectors (e.g., reflector 230), beamformingsettings and/or antenna arrangement for at least some communicationmodules. Furthermore, the application device 400 may select, such asbased on collected communication related information, connection typesand/or communication protocols that may be utilized for establishing oneor more links via the communication modules, for communicating the datastreams. The application device 400 may allocate communication resources(e.g., up-convertors 442, down-convertors 444, and/or memory 460) to thecommunication modules for use during the communication of the datastreams. At least some of the allocated resources may be shared amongthe communication modules.

Other embodiments of the invention may provide a non-transitory computerreadable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory machinereadable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon, a machinecode and/or a computer program having at least one code sectionexecutable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machineand/or computer to perform the steps as described herein for utilizingmultiplexing to increase throughput in a network of distributedtransceivers with array processing.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software. The presentinvention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least onecomputer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elementsare spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind ofcomputer system or other system adapted for carrying out the methodsdescribed herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware andsoftware may be a general-purpose computer system with a computerprogram that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computersystem such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer programproduct, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation ofthe methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer systemis able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the presentcontext means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of aset of instructions intended to cause a system having an informationprocessing capability to perform a particular function either directlyor after either or both of the following: a) conversion to anotherlanguage, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different materialform.

While the present invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: in a device that comprisesa plurality of distributed transceivers, a central processor and anetwork management engine: configuring one or more of a plurality ofcommunication modules from one or more of said plurality of distributedtransceivers, wherein: said configuration is based on a particularmultiplexing mode; and each of said plurality of communication modulescomprises one or more antennas or antenna array elements and one or moreof said plurality of distributed transceivers that control communicationvia said one or more antennas or antenna array elements; andmultiplexing communication of a plurality of data streams via saidconfigured one or more of said plurality of communication modules. 2.The method according to claim 1, comprising communicating at least someof said plurality of data streams to a single destination device.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, comprising configuring said one or more ofsaid plurality of communication modules to have distinct spatialcommunication profiles.
 4. The method according to claim 3, comprisingconfiguring beamforming settings and antenna arrangement for each ofsaid one or more of said plurality of communication modules to achievesaid distinct spatial communication profiles.
 5. The method according toclaim 3, comprising multiplexing at least some of said communicated datastreams over two or more of said plurality of communication modules tohave distinct spatial communication profiles.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, comprising configuring said one or more of said plurality ofcommunication modules to have a distinct frequency or channel.
 7. Themethod according to claim 6, comprising multiplexing at least some ofsaid communicated data streams over two or more of plurality of saidcommunication modules to have distinct frequencies or channels.
 8. Themethod according to claim 1, comprising monitoring and/or tracking, bysaid network management engine, communication related information thataffects said configuration of said one or more of plurality ofcommunication modules and/or said communication of said plurality ofdata streams.
 9. The method according to claim 8, comprising determiningbased on said monitoring and/or tracking, connection types and/orcommunication protocols that are utilized for establishing one or morelinks via said plurality of communication modules for performing saidcommunication of said data streams.
 10. The method according to claim 1,comprising allocating communication resources to said configured one ormore of said plurality of communication modules for use during saidcommunication of said data streams, wherein at least some of saidallocated resources are shared among said plurality of communicationmodules.
 11. A system, comprising: a device that comprises a pluralityof distributed transceivers, a central processor and a networkmanagement engine, said device being operable to: configure one or moreof a plurality of communication modules from one or more of saidplurality of distributed transceivers, wherein: said configuration isbased on a particular multiplexing mode; and each of said plurality ofcommunication modules comprises one or more antennas or antenna arrayelements and one or more of said plurality of distributed transceiversthat control communication via with said one or more antennas or antennaarray elements; and multiplexing communication of a plurality of datastreams via said configured one or more of said plurality ofcommunication modules.
 12. The system according to claim 11, comprisingcommunicating at least some of said plurality of data streams to asingle destination device.
 13. The system according to claim 11, whereinsaid central processor is operable to configure said one or more of saidplurality of communication modules to have distinct spatialcommunication profiles.
 14. The system according to claim 13, whereinsaid central processor is operable to configure beamforming settings andantenna arrangement for each of said one or more of said plurality ofcommunication modules to achieve said distinct spatial communicationprofiles.
 15. The system according to claim 13, wherein said device isoperable to multiplex at least some of said communicated data streamsover two or more of said plurality of communication modules to havedistinct spatial communication profiles.
 16. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said central processor is operable to configure saidone or more of said plurality of communication modules to have adistinct frequency or channel.
 17. The system according to claim 16,wherein said device is operable to multiplex at least some of saidcommunicated data streams over two or more of said plurality ofcommunication modules to have distinct frequencies or channels.
 18. Thesystem according to claim 11, wherein said network management engine isoperable to monitor and/or track communication related information thataffects said configuration of said one or more of said plurality ofcommunication modules and/or said communication of said plurality ofdata streams.
 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein said centralprocessor is operable to determine based on said monitoring and/ortracking, connection types and/or communication protocols that areutilized for establishing one or more links via said plurality ofcommunication modules for performing said communication of said datastreams.
 20. The system according to claim 19, wherein said device isoperable to allocate communication resources to said configured one ormore of said plurality of communication modules for use during saidcommunication of said data streams, wherein at least some of saidallocated resources are shared among said plurality of communicationmodules.